Public Statements

Hartzler: Failure of House Democrats to Support Balanced Budget Amendment a Defeat for the American People

Press Release

Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-4), a co-sponsor of legislation to balance our out-of-control federal budget, is expressing anger and dismay at U.S. House Democrats for blocking approval of the Balanced Budget Amendment (H.J.Res. 2). Republicans voted overwhelmingly in favor of the measure, but failed to find the necessary number of Democrats needed for passage.

"This should have been a bipartisan issue," said Hartzler. But failure of House Democrats to approve this common sense measure requiring the federal government to rein in runaway spending is a defeat for the American people and a victory for the tax and spenders who want to condemn our children and grandchildren to an unfathomable debt burden. This was a golden opportunity to put America on the path to fiscal responsibility and it was an opportunity squandered."

"The United States is $15 trillion in debt as we borrow 36 cents of every dollar we spend," continued Hartzler. "This is unacceptable! Our responsible measure would have required that Congress not spend more than it receives in revenues unless three-fifths of both the House and Senate agree to higher spending. Furthermore, it would have required the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress. How could anyone oppose such a logical requirement?"

"If we are to assign blame for this devastating defeat we must start at the top of the Democratic Party," added Hartzler. "President Obama is opposed to a Balanced Budget Amendment. In addition, House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer made clear his opposition to the bill and actively worked against this bipartisan effort which was aimed at stopping Washington's job-crushing spending binge. This is an amendment he voted FOR in 1995! Both should be ashamed of themselves for letting down the American people."

"While I am disappointed, I am not about to give up on the need to put a stop to runaway federal spending," concluded Hartzler. "I will fight for reforms to get us on the path to a balanced budget and continue to pass job-creating legislation to grow our economy while still fighting for a Balanced Budget Amendment in the future."

Missouri and 48 other states have some form of balanced budget requirement and polls indicate the vast majority of Americans want the same restrictions placed on the federal government. This defeat of the Balanced Budget Amendment makes it easier for Washington to continue its reckless borrowing and spending.

Vicky Hartzler, a deficit hawk, was elected to Congress on November 2, 2010. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Agricluture Committee.